Daisuke Sekimoto vs Yoshihito Sasaki

     DAISUKE SEKIMOTO VS YOSHIHITO SASAKI (3/26/2012)

      This match embodies the BJW Strong Division in so many ways, without including some of the main faults of said division. This isn't a match where its one person with an all-timer performance carrying the other, both Sekimoto and Sasaki put on arguably the best singular performance of their careers, and it's beautiful.

    The match starts pretty hot with an awesome-looking tope from Sekimoto, but after it leads into something that usually is an instant turn-off, a slow burn. Sekimoto locks in a rest hold, and instantly some may think "Oh, the next 8 minutes or so aren't going to matter". I thought so too. They do matter, because Sekimoto and Sasaki make it matter. It isn't the usual 2010s NJPW main event stuff, the segment feels like it has strategy and purpose. Sekimoto targets the neck of Sasaki with a few different submissions, they are very snug, Sasaki sells them beautifully, as well as selling the desperation beautifully (which he does the whole match), and it doesn't take very long. But it is very necessary to the match.

    And then the match picks up. Throughout the match is some of the most brutal lariats, suplexes and slaps I have seen. Specifically, the lariats. They both target to lariat their opponent's neck and it is AWESOME!! But overall, the strikes are tremendously on point, it really helps. 

    This is where I'll highlight Sasaki now. He is an INCREDIBLY babyface in peril the entire match. He puts everything into every single movement. It's incredible to watch.

    The last few minutes are a thing of beauty. Everything after Sekimoto does an elbow-drop right on Sasaki's damn face, the match is perfect. Sasaki is so so desperate, clawing for anything. He finally hits an avalanche Landslide and it looks gross!! But then we get into my favorite finish in wrestling. The one where Yoshihito Sasaki kills his opponent. In any match he wins it feels like; he spends the last minute or so genuinely killing his opponent. Disgusting, almost immoral headbutts, lariats from hell to the face, usually blood streaking down his forehead caused by said headbutts, as he screams valiantly as he finally puts his foe to rest. This finish was GORGEOUS in particular, because, duh.

    And the final watch time? 15 minutes, 48 seconds. Almost unheard of for a Strong BJ match, let alone a tournament final! While it could've been Sekimoto was genuinely loopy after those brutal headbutts, lariats, and slaps, I still appreciate the length of the match. This type of match is way better in 16 minutes rather than 30.

    Basically, if you have 16 minutes to spare, watch this absolute gem, PLEASE!

My rating: 5*